CBS 12: 'A ticking time bomb': Toxic algae expected to make a comeback

posted by Everglades Trust | 0sc
August 08, 2017

CBS 12: Written by Erin MacPherson. August 3rd, 2017.

Experts say it's only a matter of time until the toxic algae comes. (WPEC)

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (CBS12) — Experts say it's only a matter of time until the toxic algae makes its return.Although the St. Lucie River and Indian River Lagoon have not been tested positive for toxic algae, Lake Okeechobee has.

“We’re sitting on a ticking time bomb,” said Dr. Zack Jud, the director of Education for the Florida Oceanographic Society.

"Conditions in the lake are going to continue to favor algal growth and if we get enough rain to let the discharges that algae bloom is going to end up in our water shed, in our estuaries, just like it did last year.”

Lake Okeechobee is just under 13 feet, which South Florida Water Management District officials say is amazing for this time of year.